September with FACT Oregon | Septiembre con FACT Oregon

News and Resources: September 2025

Dear FACT Oregon Community,

As September rolls in and kids head back to school, FACT Oregon has got some exciting resources for families and youth to start the year strong! Now is a great time to learn from other parents and content experts!

For families of littles, sign up for The Early Years, Together!, a new series of five free trainings for families navigating early childhood. Join other families with little ones to connect, learn about available services, and know you’re not alone. Sessions start September 16!

Have kids in school? Then it’s time to refresh yourselves on everything IEP related! Take our self-paced On-Demand course: Understanding Special Education: Introducing the Six Core Principles of IDEA.

And, for youth aged 14+, registration is open for our Money Skills, No Limits series, a fun and practical way for young people to learn how to manage money, set goals, and plan for the future.

Check out the details, and other fun resources below! Here’s to a fabulous 2025-26 school year.

In community,

Christy Reese | Executive Director, FACT Oregon

Upcoming Trainings

Smiling pictures of infants and preschoolers with letter and number play blocks. Clcik link to learn about the training.

The Early Years, Together!
A Series for Families of Children Birth-5 Navigating Early Childhood Services

Tuesdays, September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14
6:00-7:00 PM | Zoom

Are you raising a young child with a disability or developmental delay? You’re not alone—and we’re here to walk this journey with you.

This 5-week series is for parents and caregivers just like you to learn, share, and feel supported. Build your confidence, find your voice, and help your child thrive.

Register once, attend any or all

September 16: Understanding Disability and Strength-based Visioning
September 23: Natural Environments, Least Restrictive Environment, and Inclusive Practices (Kevin Anderson, MECP)
September 30: Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education
October 7: All About Transitions: From EI to ECSE and on to Kindergarten
October 14: Making Your Voice Heard with LICCs and SICC (Mandy Stanley and Lois Pribble, ODE)

More information | e-Flyer (multilingual)

Questions: program@factoregon.org | 503-786-6082

Cost: Trainings are FREE for families and individuals with disabilities, with the option to add a certificate of attendance for $25.00.

The fee for professionals is $50.00, which includes a certificate of attendance. Please check your agency's policies and requirements to determine credit eligibility.

Language Services: Training will be provided in English with Spanish interpretation. Please request other language support at least 14 days before the event. We will do our best to accommodate.

A graphic with a pink piggy back and a stack of coins with plants growing on them. A girls looks down at her credit card and holds a phone.

Money Skills, No Limits!
Financial Empowerment for Youth with Disabilities

Mondays and Wednesdays | October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Zoom

This 6-session virtual training series helps young people with disabilities, along with their families, learn how to manage and make smart choices about money. We encourage youth (14-26) and their families to attend together!

Register for the series

More information | e-Flyer (multilingual)

Youth will learn:

Why it's important for youth to make their own decisions about money.
About bank accounts, digital wallets, and mobile payments.
How to be safe with money.
How to set goals, create budgets, and make plans to spend wisely.
How credit - or borrowing money - works.
How having a job can affect SSI/SSDI benefits.
Financial resources available to get more help.

This series is presented in partnership with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and OnPoint Community Credit Union.

Cost: FREE for youth ages 14-26 and their families (Youth must attend)

Language Services: Training will be provided in English with Spanish interpretation. Please request ASL or other language support at least 14 days before the series. We will do our best to accommodate.

ODE Family Feedback Sessions

Join CODSN and FACT Oregon as we co-host the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to hear from families like yours. We would appreciate your feedback on ODE’s special education parent survey—specifically, its materials, how it’s shared, and the response rate among families.

Tuesday, September 23, 12:00-1:00 pm | Sign Up!
Wednesday, September 24, 6:30-7:30 pm | Sign Up!

Discover and Discuss

A collage of parents with text that reads PACER.org. Link goes to a video playlist of advocacy resources.

Have you seen PACER’s set of short videos that address common questions about how to support your child with a disability at school and beyond? These videos cover topics such as “What is special education?” and “How can I ask for an evaluation?” to help families better advocate for their children. Each video has an accompanying tip sheet linked in the video description. Watch the Playlist

Here are a few of our favorites as we get back to school!

2025-26 ODE Civil Rights Webinar Series

The ODE Civil Rights Unit will host monthly webinars on education civil rights on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 pm. Open to parents, community members, CBO staff, and others, the series covers a range of civil rights topics.

Learn more and sign up! This series is in English.

Just For Youth

rainbow backgroup with text that reads before age 18

Turning 18 is a big deal! Consider your choices and take action now to get ready!
Get tips based on your age:
14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Take charge! Your IEP Meeting: A Teen Guide: English | Spanish

Want to feel confident with your money? FACT Oregon’s Money Skills, No Limits program is for you—you’ll learn the basics of budgeting, making smart choices with your money, and planning for your future.
👉 Sign up!

Did you miss our NEW! Early Childhood Quarterly?

Each quarter, we will share early childhood related trainings, tools, and resources that:

Center your child’s and family’s strengths, culture, and values.
Help you focus on what your child can do, not just the challenges.
Support children’s growth and build family confidence.

Read the First Issue